The Visitors Services in New York has developed a new thematic virtual tour on Asia and the Pacific to coincide with Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
It seeks to draw in Asian diaspora citizens, as well as students and people of all backgrounds, who are curious about the connection of this region with the UN and beyond.?
“In light of the spread of misinformation related to COVID-19 and the rise in anti-Asian sentiment, we felt the need to offer a tour that provides a call to action where visitors feel empowered to participate in a global effort for justice and solidarity,” said Elanya Chin, the Public Information Assistant who conceptualized the tour.
The hour-long tour celebrates the impactful contributions of Asia and the Pacific, in partnership with the UN, to advance shared priorities centred on sustainable development, indigenous rights, peace and security, and disarmament.
“Learning that the Asia and the Pacific region hosts 60% of the world’s population and approximately 70% of the world’s indigenous peoples, made us realize how relevant the know-how from this part of the world is for the achievement of the SDGs,” added Micol Silberberg, who assisted Chin in developing the tour.?
Throughout the tour, participants are introduced to current UN initiatives that bring together civil society, local government, and individuals to implement climate action in the region and create a greener and more resilient recovery from COVID-19.
The tour invites visitors to start conversations in their own communities to speak up against injustice and create an inclusive world that embraces both our uniqueness and our shared humanity.?
"I enjoyed listening to the tour,” said Mobin Lashkari, Senior Project Control Assistant at UNHCR,?Iran. “It was very well presented, and sensitive topics were communicated with tact and accuracy. I can't believe we've spent one hour together!"
Join the tour
To register for a complimentary Focus on Asia and the Pacific Tour for UN staff and delegates on Friday 4 June at 10:30 am (EDT), please fill out this?.
For more information about the UN Virtual Tours please visit our or contact toursunhq@un.org.
